Mechanical Engineering Intern, Summer - Los Angeles, CA

Position: Mechanical Engineering Intern, Summer 2026 - Los Angeles, CA
Who We Are

PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs.

As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.

About The Program

Our internship program provides hands-on experience in sustainable engineering design. The 10 to 12 week paid program gives interns the opportunity to learn about the building design industry from a traditional viewpoint, and to learn the PAE and LUMA way. We have internships in the areas of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, lighting design, regenerative design, and building systems technology design.

Interns here work directly as part of our engineering and design teams. From small retrofits to high-profile Living Buildings, you'll gain an understanding of the entire design process - the planning, the execution, and the problem solving.

What You'll Do

• CAD and Revit
• Energy modeling
• Design calculations
• Design layout of HVAC ductwork, hydronic, and plumbing
• Construction administration and site visits
• Commissioning
• Weather and climatic data gathering, support on eco-charrettes
• Energy and water data (EUI, WUI) analysis
• General project timeline/overview
• Specifications
• Site Visits/Site Observation Reports
• Cost estimate review/preparation
• M/E coordination schedule

What You Bring

• 3rd year undergraduate student preferred
• Desire to work in the Building Design industry
• Passionate about sustainable design solutions
• Effective communicator
• Mechanical Coursework:
  • Thermodynamics
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Heat Transfer
  • Building Sciences (preferred)
  • HVAC (preferred)

What We Offer

• Hourly base rate: $24.00 - $25.00

The base salary is one component of PAE's competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered.

PAE Offers Interns the Following Benefits:

• Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
• Paid time off for sick leave, community service and holidays
• The opportunity to be involved in PAE Committees
• This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act
• This is a on-site intern position based in Los Angeles, CA
  • Office location options in Culver City and Little Tokyo

Our commitment to pay equity

PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity - paying employees equitably for substantially similar work.

To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here:
Living Future:
Just Label Certification.

To find out more visit our website.

What We're Made Of

Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond.

Learn more at

Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water.

Fine Print

Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other…